Eight natural ways to get healthier, stronger gums and teeth

Over 75 percent of adults over the age of 30 periodically suffer from some form of gum and tooth irritation.

Gum diseases like periodontal disease and gingivitis are incredibly crippling. They lead to tooth loss, bacteria overgrowth, and a horrible accumulation of mucus and dental plaque.

There are definitely basic steps you can take to maintain good oral hygiene and health, like brushing and flossing your teeth properly, and staying away from sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco.

In an exclusive guide below, we introduce eight intriguing natural ingredients that you can use to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Ranging from roots and herbs like tea tree oil and turmeric (which has powerful properties, like teeth whitening), to simple everyday store-bought supplies that you can find in your pantry, these ingredients work to fight bacteria, decay, and infections.

Scroll down to discover the natural ingredients that will help strengthen your gums and teeth. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

What Healthy Gums Look Like

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First, let's take a look at what your gums and teeth ideally should look like.

The gums should have a light pink color, with a dull, orange peel-like surface. They also shouldn't bleed when brushed.

What Unhealthy Gums Look Like

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In cases of bad oral hygiene, the gums may become mildly inflamed, often looking red and swollen. They may also bleed when brushed.

The gums may also develop a red, shiny appearance. Plaque, or the bacteria that grows on the surfaces inside the mouth, can also become visible.

Remedy #1: Baking Soda For Decay

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Dr. Wenyuan Shi, PhD, of the UCLA School of Dentistry, consulted WebMD on a few crucial steps to take to improve dental health — including the use of natural ingredients and herbs.

Baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) is great for fighting tooth decay. The peroxide can help fight off certain bacteria, according to Dr. Shi.

To use, mix a little baking soda with water, to weaken the strength of the peroxide, and apply to the toothbrush.

Remedy #2: Tea Tree Oil As Antibiotic

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Tea tree oil has incredible antibiotic properties.

In the past, studies have shown that people afflicted with severe chronic gingivitis experienced a significant reduction in bleeding after applying tea tree oil gel to their teeth brushing routine.